School Libraries Matter Initiative

19/05/2025

The Street Librarian: Breaking Down Barriers to Reading

As a radical street librarian, I'm making books appear in everyday places in extraordinary ways. I install free public book vending machines, host street corner story times, and pop up on the block with free bookstores. I believe everyone is a reader. They just haven't found the right book yet.

I utilize my expertise as a librarian to curate collections that reflect the kids reading them. This means books with characters that look like them, talk like them, go to the same places, speak the same languages.

So I know what you're thinking. There are plenty of bookstores and libraries where I live. But here's the kicker. The presence of bookstores and libraries in a neighborhood doesn't necessarily disqualify it as a book desert. Barriers like requirement of identification, proof of address, fines and fees, all while seemingly routine, can become substantial obstacles for families facing hardships.

So what can be done about book deserts and book access? Research tells us that increasing access to appropriate print materials is an incredibly effective means of enhancing the reading achievement of economically disadvantaged children. To put it plainly, the more books a child has early access to, the more likely they are to succeed as readers.

Though I recently created the term, being a street librarian is nothing new. I'm inspired by the many mobile librarians who came before me. I'm just a little more hood with it.

©® TED 📽️

28/04/2025

Bill Gates – On the Magic of Libraries

" This Library was a special place during my childhood and even after all these years it still feels like home" - Bill Gates

I'm here in Seattle at the Northeast Public Library. And this is one that was closest to my childhood home, so I'd come here and check out lots of books.

My parents read me some, but mostly my grandmother. She read a lot of books to us, like Charlotte's Web or Dr. Dolittle.
So this is a book that was read to me when I was about your age.

This book is The Snowy Day, which we thought would be fun for today. And then eventually I got so I could read on my own. She'd help me pick out good books.

It's about 50% bigger now. It's a bit modernized, but I'm amazed how familiar it is.

You know, I'm embarrassed. I hope I'm not disturbing people speaking out loud because I was taught not to talk out loud in the library.

Places like this shaped who I am. And they still inspire me today.

📽️©

23/04/2025

Meet Abdel Kader Haidara — the librarian who became a hero. 📚✨

When people tried to destroy Timbuktu’s priceless literary heritage, Haidara didn’t run. Instead, he risked his life to secretly move over 350,000 ancient manuscripts out of danger — preserving centuries of African and world history.

This was more than a rescue mission — it was an act of cultural defiance. A quiet, brave stand against ignorance.

A true guardian of knowledge. A legend who reminds us that sometimes, saving books is saving lives.

23/03/2025

Happy birthday and congratulations to our Founder, Adewumi Idowu Paul, who was awarded the Literacy Advocate at the prestigious Ekiti Future Agenda Award 🎉💐

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to literacy advocacy and library development, Adewumi has been honored with the prestigious Ekiti Future Agenda Award. The award was presented during the 15th Anniversary and Dinner Award ceremony held on Thursday, February 27, at the Adetiloye Hall in Ado-Ekiti.

Adewumi, who hails from Ijurin Ekiti in Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti State, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to educational development and literacy advocacy. He holds a Diploma in Library and Information Science from Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State, and a Bachelor's degree in Library and Information Science from Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti.

A passionate advocate for literacy and community development, Adewumi has twice served as an Ambassador of the World Literacy Foundation, dedicating his efforts to library advocacy and volunteerism. His impactful initiatives have significantly contributed to the development of school libraries and literacy programs within Ekiti State and beyond.

His dedication to humanity and education traces back to his formative years. During his primary education at St. Paul's Primary School, his leadership skills and academic excellence earned him the role of a prefect. He further distinguished himself at Ijurin Comprehensive Secondary School, where he received numerous awards for his contributions to school development.

Notably, while still in secondary school, Adewumi addressed the longstanding issue of water scarcity in Ijurin Community by personally funding the construction of a deep well, which continues to serve the people today and is affectionately named "Omi Idowu."

Driven by the desire to enhance literacy and educational access, Adewumi founded the School Libraries Matter Initiative, a non-governmental organization focused on equipping school libraries to promote sustainable educational development. Under his leadership, the initiative has facilitated the donation of books and organized literacy conferences, underscoring the pivotal role of libraries in shaping young minds.

A landmark achievement in his literacy advocacy journey was the commissioning of the Ijurin Community Library in December 2020, a project initiated to provide accessible learning resources for students and residents.

In addition to his advocacy, Adewumi has held various leadership roles, including serving as the National Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Nigerian Library and Information Science Students Association (N-LISSA). Demonstrating his professional dedication, he was inducted as a Certified Librarian of Nigeria by the Librarians' Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) during its 15th Batch Induction and 11th Conference last year in Abuja.

Adewumi Idowu Paul is celebrated as a trailblazer in literacy advocacy, a community development champion, and an inspiring leader. His recognition with the Ekiti Future Agenda Award serves as a testament to his relentless pursuit of educational excellence and his unwavering dedication to empowering communities through knowledge and information accessibility.

01/08/2024

Transcending Shadows: Illuminating My Journey in Librarianship by Adewumi Idowu Paul is live on Amazon 🎉

Get your copy now 👇

Transcending Shadows: Illuminating My Journey in Librarianship

25/07/2024

Welcome to the National Library of Beijing, China. Apple's CEO once remarked that China has a surplus of advanced tooling engineers, enough to fill multiple football fields. This abundance of skilled talent has undoubtedly contributed to China's remarkable achievement of lifting over 700 million people out of poverty in record time. As the saying goes, 'prayer doesn't compensate for incompetence.' Instead, we must proactively empower our young people with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive progress.

Video: Trip in China

18/07/2024

📚✨ Why Library Advocacy Matters Today ✨📚

In a world where information is at our fingertips, it's easy to overlook the profound role that libraries play in our communities. Libraries are more than just buildings filled with books; they are vibrant centers of learning, innovation, and community engagement. Here's why advocating for our libraries is crucial:

1. Equal Access to Information: Libraries provide free access to books, internet, and educational resources, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status, has the opportunity to learn and grow.

2. Community Hubs: Libraries serve as safe spaces where people can gather, share ideas, and engage in community activities. They host events, workshops, and clubs that foster a sense of belonging and community spirit.

3. Lifelong Learning: From early literacy programs for children to technology training for seniors, libraries offer resources and programs that support lifelong learning and personal development.

4. Support for Students: Libraries provide essential resources for students of all ages, from homework help and study spaces to access to academic databases and research materials.

5. Cultural Preservation: Libraries preserve local history and culture, offering archives, special collections, and programs that celebrate and educate about our diverse heritage.

6. Bridging the Digital Divide: In an increasingly digital world, libraries help bridge the digital divide by offering access to computers, the internet, and digital literacy training.

By supporting and advocating for our libraries, we ensure that these vital institutions continue to thrive and serve our communities. Let's stand together to protect and promote our libraries, for they are the heart of our communities and the gateways to a brighter future.

23/03/2024

Happy Birthday to Adewumi Idowu Paul, the visionary Founder and CEO of the School Libraries Matters initiative!

On this special day, we celebrate your passion, dedication, and tireless efforts in promoting literacy and education. Your commitment to empowering young minds through access to libraries is truly inspiring, and your impact on communities is immeasurable.

May this birthday be filled with joy, love, and laughter, and may the coming year bring even more success and fulfillment in your endeavors. Thank you for all that you do to make a difference in the lives of children and educators around the world.

Cheers to you, Adewumi Idowu Paul, on your special day! 🎉🎂📚

24/01/2024

When you educate a child, you change not just his present but all his life for good.